The Mage Wars

Crystal Caves

5 Astris of the year 13004

High above us is the peak of Mount Annola. It's massive. It's no wonder why Annolasian means large in ancient fae. Galen says we should look around the ruins, and after, we'll leave.

The path veers away from the mountain after these ruins. That's what Jaen said. She's led us right so far. Hopefully, we won't be attacked by another syrpant. The last one was trouble enough.

Another would be bad luck.

For about an hour, we look through the ruins of King Roven. We check a few of the obelisks for books. But none crumble. This ruin isn't homely, not like King Haemir's. This one feels haunting, as if something is trying to tell us something about the past.

After scouring the area, we walk to the edge of the ruins. We decided to leave our horses at the edge. With our swords and shields up, we head for the cave entrance. We would have passed it if not for Altair pointing it out.

As we stand just outside the mouth of the cave, Kaelen asks if we're going in. I need new crystals, and what better place to get them than at a cave? Especially a crystal cave. They are rare, and usually, elected officials are sent to gather crystals.

I give him my answer. "I need new crystals."

I take the first step. Altair, Kaelen and Galen closely follow. Inside light reflects off of each crystal to the next. It lights the entire cave. No need for torches.

I grin.

I start gathering small crystals along with crystal dust. The dust can be used in spells. Like the one, I used a week ago.

A light flashes around the cave. My eyes are forced closed, and I drop like a rock.
_____

Holy Spirits. What happened? Where did everyone go? I look around, trying to focus my ears on what I'm hearing and my eyes. When my vision clears, I'm in the middle of a battlefield.

How did I get to the front line? When did I get here?

The battle consumes the area. I don't think this is the front line. This is not Evanath, or Lucien, or Severin. It could be Gaerwn. I can't be certain.

"Hello?"

No reply.

"Ah, Everest," I spin around.

I end up facing a male with dark skin and dark hair. He spins his sword. I go to reach for mine, but a person my height passes through me. Is this a vision? It has to be.  There's no other explanation.

"Time to end this." That sounds like me.

The male and female begin fighting. The female is me. I look older in a sense of maturity. Not actually aging. I won't do that much after the age of twenty.

Half fae age till they're thirty, some till they're forty. Full fae age until they are twenty, maybe twenty-five. The only way they look older is if they mature.

Who is he? Why are we fighting?

The scene around me changes.

Now I'm standing in a room with a group of fae. One of whom is massive. Close to the height of Uncle Aveyard. Another is shorter, with a pale blonde on his arm. Why are they wearing fashion from King Vesryn's time?

The room is unfamiliar. Frankly, I'd take this room over the battlefield.

"So Everest, how did you meet your husband?" The tall male asks.

"Pardon?" I'M MARRIED? WHAT? Who do I marry? Is he tall? Smart? Kind? BETTER YET, DID FATHER SELL ME TO A PRINCE IN SERAPHINE? He better not have!

He swore I had time. I have time. I don't need to pick now.